Living in a rental often means sacrificing some of your creative dreams for strict lease agreements or fear of losing a security deposit. But here’s the thing—creating a home that feels personal, functional, and stylish doesn’t have to mean making permanent changes or breaking any rules. Over the years, I’ve discovered that a little bit of effort, paired with the right tools, can turn even the most mundane rental into a space you’ll actually love coming home to.
The best part? These DIYs are completely reversible, budget-friendly, and don’t require owning professional tools. With these ideas, you’ll be able to transform your rental without stepping on your landlord’s toes. From practical improvements to aesthetic upgrades, here are eight rental-friendly DIYs that truly make a difference.
1. Elevate Your Walls with Adhesive Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a renter’s secret weapon. Unlike traditional wallpaper, adhesive wallpaper is easy to install, remove, and won’t leave a sticky mess behind. If your rental walls are plain white or covered in dated designs, this is a game-changer.
I recently updated a bland beige accent wall in my living room using a bold, geometric peel-and-stick wallpaper. It not only brightened up the space but added a modern touch without the commitment of paint.
Tips for Success:
- Choose High-Quality Adhesive Wallpaper: Look for brands that won’t tear or lose adhesion during removal.
- Prep Your Walls: Clean them with a mild soap solution to ensure the wallpaper adheres properly. Avoid surfaces with heavy texture, as the wallpaper won’t sit flat.
- Experiment with Smaller Spaces: If you’re hesitant, start with a small area like behind shelves or inside a closet for a pop of personality.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper started gaining popularity in the early 2010s and grew into a $3 billion industry by 2020, proving just how renter-approved it is.
2. Back Your Bookshelves with Style
If you have plain open bookshelves, lining the back with peel-and-stick wallpaper or craft paper instantly upgrades the look without overwhelming the room. This is one of my personal go-to design tricks; it’s quick to apply and adds just enough personality to make a space feel put-together.
You could choose a bold print for a dynamic vibe or a neutral texture, like linen or faux wood finish, for understated elegance. Since it’s removable, you can swap it out as your style evolves.
Fresh Tip Want a more budget-friendly solution? Use gift wrap paper or adhesive vinyl sheets for a similar effect at a fraction of the cost.
3. Create the Illusion of a Backsplash
Rental kitchens often come with standard, uninspiring walls, and if you're working with builder-grade tile or plain drywall, it can feel tough to personalize the space. Enter the peel-and-stick tile backsplash. These faux tiles mimic real ceramic or mosaic tiling, but they install like stickers and won’t damage the original surface.
How to Install:
- Clean the wall to remove grease or dust.
- Peel the adhesive backing and apply the tiles sheet by sheet for a seamless look.
- For areas around outlets, use scissors or a utility knife to cut with precision.
When I added a faux marble backsplash to my kitchen, it immediately elevated the space, making it feel more polished and inviting. The best part is that it hasn’t budged even through my cooking messes and cleanup sessions.
4. Customize Window Treatments
Window treatments can make or break a room, yet rentals often come with dull, forgettable blinds or curtains. Swapping out the existing setup for no-drill curtain rods and your favorite fabric can turn your space from basic to cozy and chic.
I swapped builder-basic vertical blinds in my bedroom for soft, flowing sheer curtains hung on tension rods. It was such a simple update, but now sunlight filters in beautifully, and I finally feel like the space is my own.
Why It Works:
- No Drilling Required: Adjustable tension rods hold up surprisingly well and are easy to remove.
- Endless Options: From blackout curtains to airy sheers, there’s a fabric for any aesthetic.
The right curtains don’t just add style; they change how light transforms a space, creating a more comfortable and intentional atmosphere.
5. Upgrade Cabinet Hardware
One of the easiest and most impactful rental upgrades is swapping out dated cabinet hardware. Most rentals come with plain knobs and handles that do little to enhance your space. Replacing them with stylish alternatives, such as matte black or polished brass finishes, instantly gives your kitchen or bathroom a modern touch.
When I moved into my rental, the cabinets had round wooden knobs that felt outdated. I switched them for sleek, brushed nickel bar pulls I could easily unscrew and take with me when I leave. It’s a simple 15–20 minute job with a massive payoff.
Installation Pro Tip:
Keep the old hardware safely stored so you can reinstall it before you move out.
Fresh Tip Not sure where to drill new holes for handles? Use painter’s tape to line up a template before committing to any spots.
6. Add Ambiance with Temporary Lighting
The lighting in rentals is often plain or harsh, but improving it doesn’t require rewiring or an electrician. Battery-operated LED puck lights, decorative plug-in sconces, and removable under-cabinet strip lighting can completely change the mood of your space.
Lighting Tricks:
- Install puck lights inside cabinets or closets for extra illumination.
- Use peel-and-stick light strips under counters to create subtle, attractive lighting in kitchens.
- Opt for plug-in pendant lights for areas like dining tables or nightstands where overhead lights are too harsh.
This technique worked wonders in my apartment’s bathroom. I placed LED strip lights under the mirror, and suddenly my evening skincare routine felt elevated to spa-like status.
7. Lay Down Temporary Flooring
If your rental has seen better days with outdated tile or scratched flooring, temporary options like peel-and-stick vinyl planks or area rugs can do wonders. Peel-and-stick flooring mimics wood and tile finishes and is easily removable.
For a more budget-friendly fix, layering rugs not only disguises flaws but also adds softness to your space. A larger neutral rug layered with a smaller pattern rug brings depth and texture.
When I moved into my last rental, the kitchen’s linoleum floor was heavily scuffed. I covered it in faux-wood peel-and-stick planks that instantly created a cohesive and polished look without spending a fortune.
Updating your floors doesn’t have to involve tearing anything out. Today’s temporary options make it easier than ever to modernize your space.
8. Personalize Your Walls with Command Hooks
Command hooks and strips are a renter’s staple for a reason. They allow you to hang artwork, mirrors, and shelves without damaging walls, opening up endless décor possibilities.
Creative Uses for Command Strips:
- Gallery Walls: Display a collection of framed art for a statement without leaving nail holes.
- Floating Shelves: Lightweight shelves can be adhered with heavy-duty wall strips for small plants or books.
- Entryway Storage: Use hooks for coats, bags, and umbrellas in small rental entryways.
When I needed a spot for keys and sunglasses by the door, I added a stylish wooden peg rack using heavy-duty strips. It completely transformed my entryway without a single drill hole.
Make It Yours—Even If It’s Not Forever
One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to make as a renter was letting go of the idea that home is something you wait for until you own it. That mindset kept me from investing in my space for years. And as a result, I lived in rooms that never really felt like mine.
But the moment I gave myself permission to personalize—to paint, to swap, to try things—I started enjoying my space so much more. And not once have I lost a deposit for doing these upgrades (because they’re all reversible or approved in advance).
So whether you're in year one of a lease or year four of a “just for now” apartment, these rental-friendly DIYs are your invitation to claim your space with confidence. Because home isn’t about ownership—it’s about agency. And you deserve to feel good where you live.
